I have a two-followup question. The criteria is for retrieval of the skull. Are you intending to encapsulate the ehrm handling of the thieves and presumably the unquiet dead into this? Or is the singular focus on retrieval and egress? With a small flourish to cover his nerves he continues I'd prefer the singular goal of retrieval. If you want more might i suggest a light bounty system on signifant undead or the ring leaders? Incentive if an opportunity arises but secures the skull priority.
Clasping his hands together, attempting to take on a more solemn tone unaware of their relationships with the lost crew, "Is there any distinctive traits, tattoos, armour, weapons, tomes, or other specific things about the missing crew to watch out for? In effect.. identifiers if they're lost, or if someone is attempting to fake being them.--WHich is likely what I would do if I were the enemy.
Lie purses his lips, the only indication that he is dissatisfied with this most recent line of questioning. Requesting more money seemed undignified to him. They had already been granted permission to take whatever they discovered along their trip and been promised a land grant (that Lie was likely to purchase his way out of in the end), along with the not-insignificant purse of 10,000 gold pieces. It was clear to the dhampir that all that was requested was the retrieval of the skull. The particulars beyond that were up to them and their discretion.
Lie was used to killing anyone who stood in the way of him and completing a job, unless it was otherwise specified, and then he merely maimed them.
But let the man ask his question and incur the ire of their benefactors. Surely the people who had put together this team knew that they were not yet of one mind, and that Malik did not speak for the rest of them.
"Methinks tha skull migh' be of more import, lest we be stringin' up or cuttin' down who be those tha' took it. As fer meself, me blades don' min' if singin' be silenced, if we do come to it."
His self-imposed "honor" that kept Griswald from killing outside of a contract, unless if it was self defense. Noticing Lie's face, the halfling noted that something didn't sit right with the man. It never hurts to ask for more coin, but he knew not to press hard into asking. As for the previous group, he felt uneasy.
"Tha group ye sent. Di' any o' the' 'ave debts ta be paid? Any 'din of Iomedae, is worth their weigh' in salt. Methinks a surpri' hit happened, or was an inside job. Jest things ta think about. I thin' we should prep 'fore headed out, sin' we need ta catch up."
Lie nods at Griswald's pronouncement, what he understands of it at least. He was right--he had known paladins of Iomedae to be generally honorable, though far too idealistic for his tastes. It was useful to be on a similar page when it came to the need for plunging a blade into someone's chest. And some people just needed a good blade to the chest.
"Well... if some undead abomination stands in our way, it's likely a threat to us and others. Stealth and discretion might make it easier, but if we need to, it's probably better we don't end up with a necromancer or some ghoul trying to take revenge on us later."
She closes her eyes, thinking quietly for a moment.
"It's a morbid situation, but better alive than becoming another minion of some madman. That alone seems like decent compensation."
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"We believe that the promise of any good discovered in the course of your investigation should suffice as an incentive to bring who ever committed this crime to justice. If you are, however, able to aprehend the criminal alive, or existing in the case of a undead, We will provide an additional 10,000 gold pieces in compensation.
Now, I encourage you to prepare for your trip. We will provide horses for you to travel along with a map with the location of the graveyard in question. By our estimates, it will take you two days to arrive at your destination. If we have not received communication back from you in the next week, we will assume the worst. Please ensure your wills are in order so we may enact them on behalf of your estate. My butler can assist with any needed revisions or notary requirements. You are welcome to use one of our guest rooms for the night before you set off in the morning. I encourage you to remain off the streets as well. We do not want any accidents before your mission."
With that, the Prince concludes the meeting. "I can lead you to your quarters for the night. If you wish to go back out into the city the guards will allow you back in when you return. The butler says as he steps forward from his spot next to the doors.
Lie raises an eyebrow. Dead or alive, but alive would net additional compensation. That was an incentive, but it did make the job more challenging. Now those more focused on the monetary acquisition would be angling to try to take the thief down without killing them. Pity.
He did not have the sorts of spells that would promote communication across distances, but the Prince's cohort had already indicated that they did. Lie backs away with a nod and a bow, removing his helmet. With the helmet in the crook of one arm, he withdraws a small dagger from his belt and fluidly cuts off a braided lock of his own hair. He sheathes the dagger, and then walks forward to hand the lock of hair to the cleric of Pharasma. "I do not intend to resist attempts to scry on me, but just in case my will is not my own, use this." He bows his head once more and makes the sign of the spiral before placing his helm back on his head and withdrawing, uttering the oath, "The Lady shall keep it."
The dhampir informs the butler that he has executed his last will and testament in Goka should his demise be confirmed. He then asks if there is a courtyard where he can practice his combat for the rest of the evening, as he prefers to practice by the natural moonlight rather than torchlight. When all is said and done, unless someone else approaches him, he retires for the evening for some rest before his impending journey.
"My than's fer tha offer o' a clean bed. As fer me will, thar be no need to worry. Retainers o' mine 'ave a copy, back in Magnimar. As fer scryin' on meself and me work, just don' cross me, an' we be in an accord."
Taking out a silver bladed kukri from his sleeve, the halfling slices his palm before grabbing a gold coin from his belt pouch. Gripping it tightly, to make sure the blood stays on the coin, he wraps a small handkerchief around it and places the package on the desk.
"I understand all that. I'm no stickler for contracts. We'll just be the best persons that we can be." Bruce chimed in. He seemed eager to move on.
"But I have one technical question to everyone. Can you assist us in communication with the castle? I know the procedures of Scrying and Sending, but I'm usually not prepared for this. It's the kind of magic I'm least familiar with. If you could provide us with a scroll or two, we would be much faster to react."
Blanching and blanking at how easily they afford royalty of another country the means to watch, curse, or otherwise deshevel their souls but he holds it in. Its not his business, albiet he has learned well from his past to not so freely leave remniants of himself.
Clasping his hands at the princes' statements prior, and giving a well reasoned bow with full courtesy. "Excellent, parameters of the job are set. Retrieval of the skull is paramount, followed by the status of previous team, as well as removal or capture of the established theives. The latter two only if they do not endanger the former. Thank you kindly."
Bruce brings up an interesting point in such case. While the trip in theory should afford them 4 days of total travel and three days to work. This is an unusual situation and may warrant an extension of some kind. Internally shrugging however at the fact that they don't intend to send forth a rescue in the case of a week, simply more bodies, or perhaps a small army.
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The butler takes the offered items to assist with the scrying. "I will retrieve a scroll of sending from the treasury for you in the morning. You may use that to inform the head priest once you have arrived." The butler informs you all before leading each of your to a private chamber. Each one is well decorated and with a fire for warmth, a comfortable bed along with a meal and washbasin.
That evening as you sleep, you are suddenly awakened by a sound outside your door. The fire has died down, but you are acutely aware of breathing from beyond. The door handle turns, and you catch a glint of something sharp and metallic before you suddenly shoot up, awake in bed.
The morning comes without incident. Horses and ponies are prepared for each of you along with trail rations for the horses, and a scroll of scrying along with a map with the location of the graveyard marked has been attached to one of the saddles. The guards at the gate look haggard but still vigilant as you are given free reign to begin your ride.
Lie is not used to riding much on horseback, so he is glad that he does not need to dismount to fight properly. He engages in no real small talk with the others while they ride. He would mostly think to discuss tactics, if anything.
Bruce is not the best small talker either, but he feels obligated to tell the party what he knows.
"I don't usually ride horses, but I've been around. If we keep a normal pace, we should arrive by nightfall tomorrow. "
He explains important landmarks and other areas during the trip.
Once the sun goes down, Bruce suddenly takes the lead. He points them at a location that he seems suitable and takes out several natural ingredients. He begins what looks like a ritual and ten minutes later several treed that haven't been there before surround a beautiful spring.
"You can use these tents that were given to us, but you are welcome in my grove, too." He grins and pluggs a berry.
Matilda cuts a lock of hair, rather than giving blood, informing the butler that she has no one in particular she would will her wealth to, in the unlikely incident of her death, offering, if pushed, the idea of her wealth being split amongst Malik and Bruce. The latter since she knows him, and the former since he and his pet amuse her.
"Though, I do not intend to die. I have ways to escape unless things turn truly dire."
-----
As she retires to her room, she takes a moment, warming herself quite literally in the fire to relieve any aches and pains from her meandering through the town earlier.
(this serves as healing, though she is at full health. In the future though, she can patch her wounds via exposure to flame)
-----
Come the morning, she prepares for the journey ahead, acquiring a canteen of spiced wine before packing her belongings. She spends much of the journey split between admiring the scenery and watching the gloomy sky for rain, cheering up as night falls and doing her best to entertain the others while camped. Never quite revealing how she can carry so much with so few bags, but clearly able to fit an entire (and quite ornate) walking stick within a jacket pocket if the need arises.
"Fresh fruit and clean water? It's a welcome surprise and one I'll gladly accept."
During the evening, she'll try to think of local folktales to retell.
(Via Possessed)
Lie appreciates Bruce's contributions even more as the journey begins in earnest, between his local knowledge of the land and his pleasant spell. Druids were a welcome addition to any venture, especially one that spilled into the wilds of Golarion.
In the safety of the grove, Lie removes his armor and settles by the fire. Gazing around at the others as Matilda begins to weave a story, he begins to focus his attention more on Malik of No House. The others had been relatively forthcoming with their intentions, but this one was still a mystery to him. His pale blue eyes flicker with the firelight as he allows his sight to slow and shift, resonating with the nigh-imperceptible ways that people's desires and outlooks manifested in the world. After about 10 minutes of quiet concentration...
Using the Occult Skill Unlock, Read Aura
He sees the flickers of unconscious energy emanating from the self-proclaimed scholar.
Before he retires for the evening, Lie withdraws a rope from his pack and, holding the rope with one hand and his blade with the other, envisions a pleasant hammock to rest in for the evening. The rope begins to weave itself into a hammock with a ladder leading up to it, suspended in midair. "I will take any watch as the rest of you see fit. Wake me when it is time."
As they ride, with periodic breaks Malik bringths forth a small journal and notes the path, the journey, and weather. Taking small sketches of flora and fauna during the evenings.
"That is quite a useful spell for traveling and life in general. I should look into potential simliar abilities for my future travels.
While fruit and water aren't his typical meals or preferences, no reason to complain for it. Instead he crushes berries into his cantin and sips from it throughout the night.
"I'm fine with first shift. I want to set up some simple traps anyway." pulling a thread on his jacket, he begins drawing a considerable amount of yarn. "While your grove is rather protected, I'd still like to be aware."
Malik sets about making a small trip wire on the outside of the area, and layers the https://www.aonprd.com/SpellDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Alarm on the outskirts as well.
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The night falls but the fire does well to keep the grove illuminated. The trees bear the color of autumn and a soft breeze carries a slight chill that is fought off by the fire.
The morning dew coats the grass, sun rise casting long shadows through the trees. As the party gets back on the road they reach a branching road the map lists to follow. The road itself is old, more overgrown dirt than the well-maintained path the party had been following. As the day grows closer to evening the party approaches an ancient old home. Judging by the map. Down the path about a mile is a large hill, which judging by the map at the bottom of which is the graveyard they are to investigate.
More concerning, eight horses graze about the house.
An old man dressed in overalls smoking a pipe relaxes in a rocking chair. His skin is thin and leathery. From your distance on the road, he has not seemed to have noticed you yet.
Yawning as he wakes up, Griswald stretches and looks about his pack, counting what was in before eating breakfast and gearing up.
"I prefer we 'ad a cart o' wagon, but tha ponies 'nd 'orses ain' bad," as his arms are deep in his pack he nods towards Malik, "Somethin' startled ye? Woke up wit a star'. Don' nee' a frigh'ful babe in Ustalav."
"Hol' up. I see somwthin' a'ead," he whispers before heading off from his pony towards the man, as stealthily as he could to scout the area, and man outside the house.
Moving lethargically this morning, Malik settles up his gear and wishes he had time for a warm breakfast instead of a work-meal. Dreams of the old meshing with the realty of the now. Never a great mix. Maybe his subconcious-or his partner-noticed something he overlooked, He'd have to keep that in mind.
As the difficult to understand Griswald states the obvious dangers of an unsettled partner Malik waves it around, "Old memories, not the first time I've spent a long period among the less-than-restful dead. It sticks with you. But I'm fine. Hungry for pancakes but I'm fine.
"I see as well. Take care, I can talk to you quietly if you're not too far. Malik concentrates for a moment as well.
"Yes, yes. That's the horses we're looking for, but now we need to find their riders."
As Griswald prepared to sneak away, Bruce quickly dismounts, too.
"Wait a sec. Two halflings are better than one. I'm coming with you." While checking his gear for anything that would make unnecessary noises, he apparently also casts two spells on him.
He then stays close to the Ranger.
Nodding towards Bruce, the halfling pulls out a blade of a darker metal than his clothes as he begins to make his way towards the cabin, using whatever cover he could hide behind.
Stretching his shoulder briefly, Malik reaches back and draws forth a rather bow, thick and slightly smaller than himself. Nodding to Yau and Matilda, he steps back a little ways and takes up back guard as the others move forward. Finding himself a crook nearby to await. Either to provide cover fire for scouts, and to watch our (Yau, Matilda, Malik) backs.
+1 more if hyilly/rocky area. (guidance factored in already)
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As the group moves closer neither the man nor the horses seem to notice you. The house itself has seen better days. It seems sound but is in dire need of cosmetic repairs. Two stories tall, many of the tiles on the road have cracked. Windows are dusty with heavy cobwebs obscuring some of the views inside. The other four horses do not seem to have any markings on the saddles. The four that belong to the prince do look to be in good health and well-fed, the same as the other ones. With a quick once around the house, it looks like there is only one door inside at the front where the old man is relaxing.
Lie raises his right eyebrow as the halflings dismount and go off to be sneaky. Why were they bothering? If they were caught, it would seem suspicious and they would start off on the wrong foot. It was just an old man, probably one that the previous group had stopped with to ask to watch their horses while they investigated the graveyard. He would be a better source of information if he trusted them than if he had reason to suspect them of foul play.
Still, he lets the halflings have their fun for the moment, though he makes no attempt to hide. As long as Griswald didn't try to stab the man, everything would be fine.
If the old man appears to be harmless, Bruce will motion Griswald to move to the rear of the house, outside of the old man's view. Bruce points at the least dirty window and offers Griswald to give him a leg-up to look into the house.
Griswald will let Bruce keep an eye on the old man as he scouts around the building, before meeting back up as to peek through the window. He didn't want to startle anyone, and wanted tovmake sure no one would startle them before he and Bruce give the all clear.
Lie glances over at Malik and Matilda. "When do we let the halflings stop playing and go actually speak with the man on the porch?"
He waits a beat, before adding an additional thought. "Or should we get them a trenchcoat and have one sit on the other's shoulders so that they look closer to our height?"
Bruce didn't actually know what to expect. Griswald's description of the boring room with furniture was sadly the most probable finding. Did he want to find a stack of dead bodies or a demon gate?
What are we doing here? , he thought and didn't know the answer. But halflings are naturally curious and cautious and one can't defy nature. "We should get back to the others, they are probably waiting," he whispered to Griswald.
Unless he disagrees, they sneak back to the group.
"Aye. Jus' wan'ed ta see if someone be waitin' Le's 'ead back," he whispered before slipping his blade back into the hidden pocket in his cloak.
As they return, he thumbs towards the house, "Jus' tha lone man on tha porch. Din't see any ot'ers about, aside from tha 'orses." He was hoping to find at least something obvious about a trap or ambush. Too used to no honor among thieves. There might actually be no one there, but that old man...
He waits a beat, before adding an additional thought. "Or should we get them a trenchcoat and have one sit on the other's shoulders so that they look closer to our height?"
"If you got one, I'd love to see that."
----
As they rejoin and give their report, "Find it odd though the stack of horses and peaceful living. Maybe the 'item' isn't in use, despite the setting. Or simply it is what it is... Shall we go, or do we still prefer to keep two for watch, while we have a chat?" Malik querries the group. Uncertain how they tend to proceed.
"Personally, I thnk we should always keep a watch-particularly in enclosed spaces that can be sieged by a wall of undead."
Lie grins slightly, imperceptible underneath his helm except for the effect on his voice. "We'll look for one in the graveyard."
---
As the halflings return from their away mission, Lie listens and blinks. "Are you all so frightened of your elders in this country that you regard them all with such suspicion?" he asks. "He is relaxing outside his domicile and smoking. Let us go and speak with him."
What was the way to address male elders in this culture again? Hmph....
The dhampir removes his helmet to look less fearsome (though still admittedly armed to the teeth) and urges his horse forward to the house. About one hundred feet from the house, he takes a deep breath and calls out. "Good evening, sir," he offers formally. "May we approach you and have a chat?"
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The old man leans forward in his chair as you address him. You can see that his eyes look surprisingly young, almost silver with how blue they are. This smoke wafts from his pipe as he speaks.
“Y’all are heading to the cemetery aren’t cha? Ain’t nothing there for the living. Turn back now ya hear? Those others should have headed my warning as well…”
Lie looks into eyes that are remarkably similar to his own--pale blue to the point of near white-silver. He rides closer to the old man. "That was what we wanted to discuss with you: to at least hear your warning." He nods at the horses with the Prince's insignia. "I see that 'those others' have not returned for their horses. What did you tell them, sir? What do you know?"
Matilda follows behind Lie, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible, and mostly reassure the man that the dhampir means no harm.
"Would it be alright to let our horses graze here as well? We've been traveling for days.
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The old man chuckles at Matilda. "Y'all are welcome to let them graze. I doubt y'all will be back for them. Been nearly twelve people who've gone to that cursed place and have not returned in just the last two weeks. Tha first group was from Caliphas, by the look of thang's same as y'all. Before them was a group of shadowy figures in dark cloaks. Spotted them at dusk slinking down the road. Didn't stick my neck out for them, seemed tha dangerous sorts. Then before them was a group who called themselves pathfinders. Stuffy bloke's who said something about a break-in in archives they owned that lead them to this spot. That's their horses with tha others. That lot of land has always been cursed. Site of a battle with tha tyrant in ages past. Rather then try to move all the dead, they built tha cemetary over them. Now they seem restless. Strange lights dance in tha sky at night and if you listen close, laughter drifts on tha wind. I mean it, turn back now. Y'all seem like nice folks."
Three groups, then. That explained the horses without heraldry. And representatives from the Pathfinder Society at that. That was certainly not unexpected, but it was curious.
"We do not intend for our bodies or souls to join those interred beyond," the dhampir says simply, knowing full well that the previous dozen probably said the same thing. But perhaps they had been unprepared for what was there. "Though I am familiar with restless spirits. I am Lie of the House of Yau in Shenmen, Land of Spiders and Ghosts, and servant of the Pale Horse. I would bring these spirits to their rest."
"And what is your name, sir?"
Bruce decided not to take part in the interrogation of the old man. No need to overwhelm him. I let the more empathic people do this.
Bruce tended to the horses. Both the ones that they came with and the ones already there.
"Thank you, Jud," Lie says, though the 'j' is more retroflex, more fricated than affricated, and colors the u in an interesting way. He smiles again. "I have not been told that I have much sense. But if we don't come back, then please return the horses to the estate of Prince Aduard Ordranti III rather than selling them. The other four as well. You may receive a better reward than whatever price you could get on the market"
The dhampir looks at his fellow mercenaries. "Shall we?"
Bruce looks to the sky. "The sun is going down soon. Should we not rest and tackle whatever is at the cemetery tomorrow morning"
He thinks for a moment. "Of course, it doesn't hurt to survey the area quickly."
"Do you perhaps remember what archive, or where they hailed from? Did they leave anything on their horses I could go through?"
"Well, taking a look seems apt, and we have limited time on scene.'' Malik doesn't enjoy the idea of going in regardless of time. But maybe they can peep some activity from a safe area.
"Bruce, methinks I agree wit ye. Some res' wou'd be goo', 'for we 'ead ta tha gra'yard. Per'aps we take a loo' a tha 'orses left behind. Migh' hol' some clues," Griswald mentioned while untying a small beltpouch. With a whispered word in elvish, he then reaches his hand into the pouch and pulls out a crystal that has the same glow as a torch. Slightly tossing the gleaming crystal, it begins floating about his head. "Easier tha' holdin' a flamin' stick. Brucie, 'elp me look over tha 'orses lef' be'ind, since we coul' fin' somethin'." He waves at the other halfling before walking back towards the horses in the dimming light of day. Griswald begins talking with Bruce in his native tongue before heading back to the horses.
Bruce gladly accepted the invite to tend to the horses and he cared for them thoroughly.
In contrast to Griswald and maybe to his displeasure, Bruce didn't care about any material possessions that the previous owners might have left.
To the group he asks:
"We can reduce the scouting to a quick fly-over, if you wanted. I have one such spell prepared."
Lie blinks a bit at the idea of resting instead of going directly to the graveyard, but sighs and dismounts from his horse. He starts gently rubbing the muscles of his mount--he had no direct training in horse care, but he could only guess that his steed's muscles were probably about as sore as his were after a couple of long days of travel.
He forgets sometimes that not everyone has such keen insight as he does. A gift from my father, may he rest in ash.
"I̷͉͗ ̶̟̍ȟ̵̦e̸̱͝a̵͕̾r̷̺̓d̶̬̑ ̴͔̇t̷̲͗h̵͕͠a̶̺͂t̷̙̔,̸̧͂ ̴̧͊s̸͉̆o̴̹̿n̷̩̎.̵̩͐" comes a voice at the back of his mind.
"Worry not, Sir Jud--we'll not take up your home nor trouble your generous hospitality. One of the halflings has magic to provide us with shelter for the evening."
With that, he bids the old warner a good day and leads his horse off to wherever Bruce decides to set up for the evening. He assents to Bruce's idea for a flying scouting mission and offers another idea to his companions. "If you find anything, please allow me to examine it. I have ways of glimpsing what objects have seen."
Psychometry: You can read the psychic impressions left on objects or in places by previous owners and events.
Check: Once per day At will, you can concentrate for 1 minute while in physical contact with an item or location, during which you receive flashes of insight regarding the subject’s nature and ownership. After 1 minute, you attempt a DC 15 Appraise check to decipher the visions. You gain one piece of information about the historical significance or the last previous owner—such as a glimpse of the last owner’s appearance or its emotional state when it last used the item—determined by the GM. You learn one more piece of information for every 10 by which your check result exceeds the DC, as long as you concentrate for 1 additional minute for each piece of information. If you fail the check by less than 5 or the item has no significant psychic imprint, you don’t learn any information. If you fail this check by 5 or more, the item appears to be psychically significant even if it’s not, and the information you gain is wildly inaccurate. If you attempt to use psychometry on an item affected by charge object or implant false reading, you automatically learn all information imprinted by the spell. You must also attempt a Will save. If the item is affected by an implant false reading spell, on a success, you realize the information was false, and can determine the true information as well. On a failure, or if the item is affected by a charge object spell, you believe the information is true.
Action: Reading an object requires at least 1 minute of uninterrupted concentration.
Try Again: Yes. Multiple readings on an object or place always give the same results unless its circumstances or ownership have changed, but additional checks might reach further back into an object’s history. You don’t reroll the saving throw to determine if a psychic imprint is false. You can still use psychometry only once per day.